‘Very grateful’: Indians Return Amid UAE Airspace Partial Reopening After West Asia Tensions

Indian citizens arriving from Dubai recounted the panic and financial impact caused by flight cancellations following escalating tensions in West Asia.

Air India welcomed passengers and crew from Dubai onboard Flight AI916D at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

The flight marked the first international arrival by an Indian carrier into the national capital on Tuesday, carrying 149 passengers and eight operating crew members.

“Our only request is that other tourists also be brought back as soon as possible. We are very grateful to India and Air India,” he added.

What Is the Situation for Indians Traveling from Muscat, Oman?

"The situation is quite normal, there's not much tension, but due to flight cancellations and other things, people are facing financial impacts. Staying there is very expensive. Air India guided us completely. The government there is providing as much help as it can,” another passenger said.

"The security was very well there. We were a little afraid due to the alarms, but nothing happened near us,” said a third passenger.

Mohammad Idris, returning from Muscat, Oman, said, "Everyone is living together in harmony in Muscat, and there are no problems. I booked my ticket five days ago. But three days ago, flights were halted for 24 hours. Flights of Air India, IndiGo, Salam Air, and Oman Air were all suspended. But flights have resumed in the last 24 hours, so we have come. There were no problems. The administration there is very supportive. There has been no explosion in Oman."

"The atmosphere there is similar to Delhi. The situation there is very good. There was no advisory; everything is fine there,” he added.

Dubai Airports confirmed a limited resumption of operations beginning on the evening of March 2, with a small number of flights permitted from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

How Are Flight Cancellations Affecting Indian Passengers in Mumbai?

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that while regular services remain heavily suspended, a small number of inbound and outbound flights were permitted to operate under restricted corridors, with access strictly controlled.

Several passengers stranded at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai described hardships due to cancellations.

"My family and I were going for Umrah and had a flight on March 1st, which was rescheduled due to the situation in the Middle East. It is now scheduled for this evening,” said one passenger.

"I came from Chapra to Mumbai. I had a flight to Dubai and at night I came to know that the flight is cancelled. There is no facility at the airport, I am sleeping on the floor. We need a place to sleep, to stay and to eat,” another said.

"We have been here for three days, our flight was cancelled. Today we have a flight at 6 PM for Umrah,” a third passenger added.

How Many Flights Were Cancelled at Mumbai and Kolkata Airports?

Mumbai Airport reported a total of 107 air traffic movements cancelled on March 3, including 54 arrivals and 53 departures.

Flight operations at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata were also affected, with Emirates cancelling four arrivals and four departures.

Westbound international flights from IGI Airport experienced delays, and passengers were advised to check with their airlines for updates.

Air India expressed gratitude to its teams and authorities, stating, "A heartfelt thank you to our teams, the Government of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the local authorities in Dubai for their continued cooperation and for making this homecoming possible."

SpiceJet is operating special flights from Fujairah to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi to support Indian nationals returning home.

Which UAE and Middle East Flights Are Temporarily Suspended?

Travel company EaseMyTrip is operating special charter flights from Fujairah to Delhi and Mumbai.

Air Arabia announced that flights to and from the UAE are temporarily suspended until 15:00 UAE time on March 4.

Flights to Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq remain suspended until March 5, with a limited number of flights permitted in coordination with relevant authorities.

Qatar Airways stated that operations remain temporarily suspended due to closed Qatari airspace and will resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces safe reopening.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport advised passengers that some westbound international flights may be subject to delays or operational adjustments due to the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia and cautioned travellers to stay updated with their airlines.

Authorities emphasized that while partial normalcy is returning, the situation remains volatile, and caution is advised for those travelling in the region.

(With inputs from ANI)